Though scholars, art lovers as well as communist writers have put forward their opinion about the life and achievements of Bishnu Prasad Rabha, yet there is ample scope for its complete evaluation. This great artist, although born with a golden spoon, became empty-handed during the later parts of his life. The Kalaguru nevertheless lived an eventful life. Rabha was the symbol of ‘revolutionary spirit’ of Assam who was equally adept at holding a stengun and a painting brush at the same time. He is also credited with sowing the seeds of eastern and western culture throughout the State. Rabha acknowledged the influence of three saints in his life, they are – Sri Krishna, Leonardo Da Vinci and Srimanta Sankardeva, the great saint of Assam. While undergoing college education, Rabha composed a revolutionary satire against the British colonialists and Indian capitalist zamindar class, which compelled these two classes to seek cover from the masses. Rabha was the best player, debator, and musician in his college days. He could have lavishly spent his whole life working under the British, if he wanted. On the contrary, relinquishing the post of DSP, Rabha wholely devoted himself in the struggle for independence. By travelling throughout the nook and corner and worshipping art and culture, the eminent personality re-established the endangered culture (including songs, dances etc) in a new and furnished form. In the meantime, the country attained freedom and the administration of the country was handed over to the Congress party. But Bishnu Prasad Rabha instead of following the path of the Congress was attracted towards the ideology of communism, which in turn, proved him guilty in the eyes of the Government. The Congress subsequently announced that the person, who could find Rabha dead or alive would be rewarded with the prize of Rs ten thousand. Ultimately, this patriot surrendered himself before the police thinking that the farmers and other villagers would otherwise be tortured. It is indeed a travesty of fate that the people who once rejoiced in getting Rabha arrested and paraded him on the streets with a rope on his waist, today take the leadership in celebration of ‘Bishnu Rabha Divas’ in June 20 every year.

Rabha contributed significantly for establishment of ‘Jagat Guru’ of Assamese national life, i.e. Srimanta Sankardeva with new evaluation. He tried his best to popularise the rich and invaluable resources of Sankar-Madhava, viz ‘Kirtana Dashama Namghosa’ among the youth. Besides, he endeavoured heart and soul for uplifement of the standard of living of the cultivators, labourers, ploughman, villagers, etc. of his native land.

Concentrating in worshipping the ‘64 Arts’ (Chousosthi Kala), he was able to attain success in this dimension. He was subsequently honoured with the title ‘Kalaguru’, which is still considered to be a prestigious award. After regarding Sankardeva as ‘Jagat Guru’, it was not so easy for a person belonging to ‘Rabha tribe’ to gain the title of ‘Kalaguru’. The total evaluation of the multifaceted personality of Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha is therefore still incomplete.

Courtesy: The Assam Tribune (June 2007)

 

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